During a debate over the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2008, the issue of a historic landmark, The Delta Queen, was brought to the floor. At issue is whether the vessel should be given a continued exemption to cruise at night despite laws that forbid wooden vessels from doing so.

I am going to have to part with Mr. Oberstar on this one. This vessel represents a significant piece of history and should have been given the exemption. My love of history and preserving that history trumps any loyalty I may feel to the Democratic Congressman to the north.

For a little dry humor, at the end of the clip you hear a voice shout out, "God Save The Queen" to which Oberstar responds, "God Save Her Passengers".

Comments

Oberstar makes mis-statements and contorts the truth--if not downright lying. The Coast Guard just passed the Delta Queen's license with flying colors. No one is suggesting eliminating any safety measures, as was the case of the 747 (Plane & steamboat?? Huh??) The Sultan disaster back 117 years ago was caused by a boiler explosion,and the boat was grossly overloaded. I'm safer sleeping on board the Delta Queen than I am in my own (wooden) house! Also; the fire onboard was quickly extinguished, a good example of the safety measures on board!Long live the Delta Queen!David Dewey

Anonymous
On
June 5, 2008 at 8:12 AM

Well said Mr. Dewey. I couldn't agree with you more. Hopefully others in the House will realize Mr. Oberstar has overstepped the bounds on manipulating the facts and will call him out on it. At least try to get the bill on the House Floor for another vote and defeat him handily this time.

Anonymous
On
June 10, 2008 at 11:13 AM

The Delta Queen must be saved, and Oberstar must be stopped. He's got bigger fish to fry, and more citizens to save, by concentrating on the deteriorating bridges in this country. Bridges fall under his House committee. Here again, another bridge, in HIS home state, was affected. It didn't collapse, but was recently closed for safety reasons. It is the bridge in Winona, MN. The Delta Queen exemption will cost the federal government ZERO DOLLARS. It is the boat's owners that pays for the upkeep of it. All they need is the right to continue cruising. The bridge replacement will cost billions. Stop stalling on the Delta Queen and let the bill pass!!

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